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Augusta limits Sand Gnats to 1 hit in 11-0 victory

AUGUSTA — What started out as a promising sign for the Sand Gnats — the first two batters reaching base — quickly deteriorated as Savannah was shut out by the host GreenJackets 11-0 on Friday night.

Augusta (24-16) starter Joe Biagini (2-0) gave up a leadoff single to Yucary De La Cruz and hit Eudy Pina with a pitch, then after a strikeout, walked Kevin Plawecki for bases loaded. However, two lineouts got Biagini out of the first-inning jam, and he worked seven scoreless innings.

Relievers Ian Gardeck and Stephen Johnson pitched one inning apiece to preserve the one-hit shutout. They combined for three walks and three strikeouts.

The Sand Gnats (22-17) went down in order in the third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh innings. After Jeff Glenn opened the eighth by reaching base on a fielding error, the Gnats failed to capitalize as they hit into a forceout and a double play.

Savannah starter Robert Gsellman (1-1) allowed nine hits and seven runs (only two earned) with one walk and one strikeout in 4 2/3 innings.

The big blow came in a six-run fifth inning with Augusta ahead 1-0. Ben Turner led off with one of his three doubles in the game. Andrew Cain singled and Charles Jones walked to load the bases.

Jesus Galindo grounded out as Turner scored and the bases were reloaded. One out later, Matt Duffy was hit by a pitch. Joseph Rapp reached on a fielding error as Cain scored and the bases were reloaded for Mitchell Delfino, who hit a grand slam to left field. Julian Hilario replaced Gsellman, and he gave up a double to Trevor Brown before Turner batted again and lined out.